Welding helmet



May 29, 1945. BAKKE 2,377,122

WELDING HELMET Filed March 26, 1945 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 //VVEN TOE .EOBEET Bmfmg May 29, 1945. R. BAKKE WELDING HELMET 'Filed March 26, 1943 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 N N VE N TOE EqsEE-r BA KKE g? w .the operator.

more particularly for preventing sparks and rnol- Patented May 29,1945

WELDING HELMET Robert Bakke, Minneapolis, Minn., assignor of one-half to Mathias J. Bakke and one-fourth to Charles J. Swahn, both of Minneapolis, Minn.

Application March 26, 1943, Serial No. 480,635

7 Claims.

This invention relates to new and useful improvements in welding helmets.

Welding helmets of the general type now com- I monly used by welders do not offer the utmost in protection, particularly against noxious gases and fumes which may be injurious to the wearer or Most such helmets are designed ten particles of the metal from striking the operators face. I have found that while it is important to protect the face against flying sparks and molten particles of metal, it is also highly desirable that the helmet be so constructed as to prevent toxic gases and other foreign particles which may b injurious to the operator's breathing organs and to the surface of the skin, from entering the helmet, and it is therefore an important object of the present invention to provide a welding helmet which is so constructed that the operators entire head and neck are fully protected against all foreign matter, such as noxious gases and fumes which may be harmful and injurious to the health of the operator, and also whereby his head, face and neck are protected against flying sparks and particles of molten metal, and whereby moths, flies, and other insects cannot enter the helmet and annoy the operator while performing welding operations, whereby the operator may do his work with much greater comfort and without danger of jeopardizing his health, and in much less time than would be possible with a conventional helmet under like condition.

A further object is to provide a helmet-comprising a lower section having means for supporting it in operable position upon the wearers head, and having an upper section hinged thereto and carrying a respirator which is automatically brought into position against the wearers face, each time the upper hinged section of the helmet is swung into closed position and secured to the lower section.

A further object is to provide a weldinghelinet comprising a suitable hood having a flexible skirt suitably attached to the lower marginal edge of the hood and adapted to fit over the operator's shoulders, under the usual welding jacket commonly used by welders, and whereby noxious gases and fumes arising from the work, and other foreign molten matter cannot enter the hood or helmet and cause discomfort and/r injury to the operator.

A further object of the invention is to provide a welding helmet comprising two sections hinged together at the back of the helmet and havin means at the front thereof for securing the upper hinged section in operative position, when the helmet is attached to or mounted upon the operators head, said upper hinged section having a window in its front wall thru which the operator may view the work during the welding operation; and said window comprising a hinged door in which is mounted a suitable filter lens or glass against the outer side of which is mounted a suitable clear glass as a protection for the filter lens, and a second clear glass being provided in the opening formed in the wall of the helmet which latter glass is retained in fixed position and affords the operator a clear vision, when the hinged door carrying the filter glass is swung upwards to an inoperative position, whereby it is not necessary for the operator to remove the helmet from his head when adjusting the work or tools preparatory to or between welding operations.

Other objects of the invention reside in the unique construction of th helmet, including the skirt or cape attached to the lower edge thereof, which provides a complete closure for the lower open end of the helmet hood; in the pivotal mounting of the upper section of the hood whereby it is preferably retained in open inoperative position by spring means, and which, when open, exposes the entire face of the operator so that he may readily view his work or adjust it without removing the helmet from his head; in the mounting of the enti. respirator means in the hinged upper section of the helmet, whereby the usual nose and mouth piece is always in proper position to engage the operators face, when the hinged section is swung into closed position; in the unique means provided for supporting the helmet upon the operators head and whereby it may readily and conveniently be adjusted thereon to cause the nose and mouth pieces of the respirator to properly engage the operators face; in the provision of the hinged window in the front wall of the helmet whereby the filter means or glass may be quickly swung out of operative position, when the operator desires a clearer vision; and in the unique design of the shoulder-engaging skirt or cape, and the manner of removably attaching said skirt to the lower marginal edge of the hood, whereby the skirt cooperates with the helmet supporting means to retain the helmet in proper position upon the operator's head.

Other objects of the invention will appear from the following description and the accompanying drawings and will be pointed out in the annexed claims.

In the accompanying drawings there has been disclosed a structure designed t ar y o t he also be adjusted in fare-and-ofl direction, when various objects of the invention, but it is to be the wing nuts I! are loosened, thereby to properly understood that the invention is not confined to position the hood with respect, to the operators the exact features shown, as various changes may head,

be made within the scope of t e c i which The head band ll may be of more or less confollow, ventional design, and is preferably split at the In the drawings: back of the operator's head. The two ends of th Figure 1 is a sectional'elevation showing my band are over-lapped and adjustably secured toimproved helmet in position upon an operator's gether by suitable clamping elements 22 and a head, the dotted lines indicating the position of 1 bolt 23 provided with a wing nut 24. By loosenthe upper section of the hood when in open posiing the wing nut 24, the band I may b tion; pended or contracted to fit the operators head.

Figure 2 is a top view of the helmet showing as will readily be understood.

the air inlet filters for the respirator; A vertically disposed strap 25 has its ends Figure 3 is a front view of Figure 1, showing secured to the band H by bolts l5, and passes the helmet in operative position; over the top of the operators head, as shown Figure 4 is an enlarged detail sectional view in Figure 1, thereby to prevent the band i l from showing one of the air inlet filters for the respisliding downwardly upon the operators head. at r; a d Another important feature of th present in- Figure 5 is an enlarged detail sectional view vention resides in the provision of respiratory on the line 5-5 of Figure 3, showing the admeans in the upper section 3 of the helmet which justable connection between the lower ends of the serves to purify all air inhaled by the o erator, relatively stifi straps which support the lower when the helmet is operatively supported on his section of the helmet upon the head gear or band. head.

The novel helmet herein disclosed is shown As best shown in Figures 1 and 2, the respiracomprising a hood, generally designated by the tory means above referred to comprises a nose numeral 2, including a lower section 3 and an and mouth piece, generally designated by the upper section 5. The upper section Q is hinged to numeral 26. This nose and mouth piece may be the lower section at the rear of the helmet by of conventional design, and is preferably cohmeans of a suitable spring hinge 5, shown in structed of a soft pliable rubber molded to Figure l. The hinge 5 embodies a suitable spring the contour of the front of the face. A suit- 5, indicated in Figure 2, which is so constructed able air outlet 21 is provided in the HOW: l and positioned as to constantlt urge the upper mouth piece 26 thru which the operat 5 hinged section 5 of the helmet into it open into a small chamber which is 1 position, indicated in dotted lines in Figure l. tion with the exterior of helmet A suitable spring actuated keeper apertures 29 ,r video in th mm} A small shield is se hood section 5*, ove o.

foreign matter s8 hru upper sectlon l of the hood and is a engage a projection. or stud i, fixed to Wall of lower section c,

in operative position with section s ns to upper hood secti and preferably over of the lower section, e. l. A suitable resil 'l'l] b show 0" 1 to the wall of or section oj ent to is lower edge 9, and is adap e gage the edge 8 of the lower secti- 1 is closed, thereby to provide subs joint bet H to we n supported of suitable strap members i3, which ably more less nonfiexible, er ends adivs'tso constructed as ably secured to head band to oysuitahle bolts to "enmity min le atmospheric shown provided with Wing nuts The lower flit conduits into the hose ends or the straps are provided with slots ll h m e operator lorea 'i ada ted to receive bolts l8, mounted in the wall "u the filters q- M m W0 bile c.

the operators of the lower hood section Suitable wing nuts portion. of the helmet, and exhale-s tha ii are received in threaded engagement with the apertures provided in the front wall 01 bolts it and engage suitable clamping elements upper section l of the helmet.

which are apertme to receive the bolts iii. The respiratory means including the nose The clamping elements it are seated against the mouth piece the air filters and the conlower ends or" the straps l3, best shown in Figs duits are suitably mounted in the upper secwe By mosenmg the wing nuts tbs lower tion of the hood, whereby they swing a unit tion f the helmet may be raised or lowered therewith, so that when the upper section l is with respect to the operators head as result of swung upwardly to an ino erative positio as inthe slots i? in the straps to. The hood 2 may 5 (heated in dotted lines in i u e 1, the nose and mouth piece 26 is swung outof engagement with the operator's face, and leaves his entire face exposed so that his vision is not impaired.

This is an important feature of applicant's invention in that once the helmet has been properly fitted to a certain operator's head, the nose and mouth piece will always be brought into proper contact with the operator's face, whenever the upper section 4 is lowered into operative position, as shown in full lines in Figure 1. Also by thus hinging the upper section of the helmet, and supporting the respiratory means therein, it is unnecessary for the operator to remove the entire helmet from his head when he desires unobstructed vision, as when adjusting or positioning the work for welding, or picking up tools or other equipment.

Another important feature of the invention resides in the provision of a hinged window provided in the front wall of the upper section of the helmet, as shown in Figures 1 and 3. This window comprises a frame 39 which is hinged to a fixed frame 4| by suitable hinges 42 shown in Figures 1 and2. The fixed frame 4| is secured to the front wall of the upper hood section 4,

- over an opening 45 in said wall, by suitable means not shown in the drawings. A suitable spring, not shown, is provided for holding the hinged window frame 39 in either open or closed position.

The hinged frame 39 has mounted therein suitable filter lens or glass 43 which is protected from the exterior by a clear glass 44, also mounted in said frame. A clear glass panel 46 is mounted in the fixed frame 39 to provide a permanent closure therefor. Thus when the operator is performing a welding operation, and desires to have a clearer vision of the work or to facilitate picking up tools or a welding rod, he simply swings the window frame 39 upwardly out of his line of vision, as indicated in dotted lines in Figure 1, whereupon he has a clear vision thru the glass panel 46, and at the same time his eyes and face are protected by the glass 46.

Another important feature of the invention resides in the provision of means at the bottom of the hood or helmet for preventing the entrance of foul air and gases into the hood. There are numerous metals which, when heated to a high temperature, as during a welding operation, give off noxious gases and fumes which may be very irritating and injurious to the operators skin, and often to his breathing organs, and such noxious gases may therefore cause the operator considerable discomfort, and may even impair his health, if permitted to enter the hood, particularly when the operator is working in warm temperatures and is perspiring.

To prevent such toxic gases, fumes, and other foreign elements such as fine dust, insects, etc., from entering the hood 2, I provide a suitable flexible skirt 4'! at the bottom of the helmet which has its upper marginal edge portion suitably secured to the lower marginal edge of the lower hood section 3, by such means as a clamping band 48, and a plurality of suitable securing elements such as screws or bolts 49. The skirt 41 is preferably of tubular form, and is sufficiently flexible to permit it to be readily slipped over the operators head in the operation of mounting the helmet thereon. The skirt is then fitted over the operator's shoulders, as shown in Figures 1 and 3, whereby the operator may button his conventional welding jacket 5| over the lower portion of the skirt 41, whereby it is substantially impossible for any foreign matter to enter the helmet thruthe lower portion thereof. Welders are frequently called upon to perform welding operations at night when there are numerous moths, files, and various other flying insects, which are attracted by the brilliant light of the welding are or flame, and may swarm about the operators head while performing a welding operation. When using a conventional helmet having an open bottom, these pests frequently enter the helmet thru its open bottom and may annoy the operator to the extent that he must temporarily interrupt his work and remove his helmet to drive the insects from the interior thereof. when this becomes necessary, valuable time may be lost.

The novel helmet herein disclosed is so constructed that it is impossible for insects or flies to enter the helmet while in use. Its construction is also such that welding operations may be performed in places which heretofore were considered practically impossible to work in. For example, welding operations must sometimes be performed in enclosed places where the air may be extremely foul and full of smoke and foreign matter. In such places it has heretofore been impossible for a welding operator to work for a long period without interruption, because of the foul condition of the air, thereby greatly increasing the cost of the welding operation.

The novel helmet herein disclosed has made it possible for an operator to work in such foul air laden places for relatively long periods without interruption, and without discomfort, because when wearing the novel helmet herein disclosed, his head and breathing organs are completely and entirely protected against foul air, smoke and gases. It is to be understood that the air filters 33 are so constructed as to remove poisons from the air drawn therethru, whereby the air inhaled by the operator thru the air filters 33, will be purified sufficiently to prevent injury to the operator.

The construction of the helmet as a whole is also such that it may be manufactured at a very nominal cost, and when once adjusted for a given operator's head, it will always properly fit such operator's head without requiring any adjustments each time the helmet is placed on his head. It will also be understood that the nose and mouth pieces of the respirator carried by the upper hinged section of the helmet need not be adjusted to the operators face each time the helmet is placed in position on the head. This is highly desirable and tends to reduce irritation to the face, caused by the nose and mouth pieces relatively moving with respect to the face as is more or less common when using conventional respirators.

It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that I have accomplished at least the principal objects of my invention, and it will also be apparent to those skilled in the art that the embodiments herein described may be variously changed and modified without departing from the spirit of the invention, and that the invention is capable of uses and has advantages not herein specifically described; henc it will be appreciated that the herein disclosed embodiments are illustrative only, and that my invention is not limited thereto.

I claim:

1. A welding helmet comprising upper and lower sections normally joined together in an inclined plane extending upwardly and rearwardly from a point below the operator's mouth, means hinging the upper section to the lower section at the rear of the helmet, and a respirator carried entirely by the uppersection,

sections normally joined together in substantially leak-tight relation in an inclined plane extending upwardly and rearwardly from a point below the operator's mouth, means hinging the upper section to the lower section at the back of the helmet, a respirator and air filter carried by the upper section, the air filter being mounted in the upper wall portion ofthe upper section, rearwardly of the vertical axis of the helmet, and flexible means for sealing the annular space between the lower marginal edge of the helmet and the operators body.

3. A welding helmet comprising upper and lower sections normally joined together in a plane disposed at an incline to the vertical, means for supporting the lower section in relatively fixed position upon the operators head, means for pivotally connecting together said sections at the rear of the helmet whereby the upper section may be swung upwardly out of the line of vision of the operator, and a respirator carried by the upper section.

4. A welding helmet comprising upper and lower sections normally joined together in a plane disposed at an incline to the vertical, means for supporting the lower section in relatively fixed position upon the wearers head, means for pivotally connecting the upper section to the upper rear portion of the lower section whereby the upper section may be swung upwardly out of the' line of vision of the wearer, a respirator mounted in the front wall of the upper section in position to engage the operator's face, when the upper section is closed, and air filters carrier by the upper section and in communication with the respirator.

5. A welding helmet comprising upper and lower sections normally joined together in a plane extending upwardly from a point below the operators mouth to a point at the rear of the helmet above the operator's mouth, means for adj ustably supporting the lower section upon the operators head, means pivotally connecting the upper section to the lower section at the rear of the helmet,

a, window carried by the upper section through which the operator may view the work when the helmet is closed, means for securing the upper section in closed position, and means constantly urging the upper section into open position and capable of holding the upper section in such position, when the latter is released from the lower sectigp.

6. A wel ing helmet comprising a lower section and an upper section cooperating to provide a hood, said lower section having means for supporting it in position on an operator's head, the upper edge of said lower section being disposed at an incline to the vertical and extending rip-- wardly from a point below the operators mouth, means for hinging the upper section to the lower section at the rear of the helmet, spring means constantly urging the upper section into open position and capable of retaining it in such position, means for securing the upper section to the lower section in closed position, a respirator mounted in the front wall of the upper section and adapted to be brought into position against the operators face when the upper section is closed, air filters mounted in the upper rear wall portion of the upper section, and conduits con necting the air filters to the respirator, said respirator and air filters being carried entirely by r the upper section and movable therewith.

7. A welding helmet comprising a lower section and an upper section cooperating to provide a hood, said lower section having means for supporting it in position on an operator's head, the upper edge of said lower section being disposed at an incline to the vertical and extending upwardly from a point below the operators mouth, means for hinging the upper section to the lower section at the rear of the helmet, a spring constantly urging the upper section into open position and capable of retaining it in such position, means for securing the upper section to the lower section in closed position, a respirator mounted in the front wall of the upper section and adapted to be brought into position against the operator's face, when the upper section is closed, air filters mounted in upper rear wall portion of the upper section and having operative connections with the respirator, and a flexible skirt detachably secured to the lower edgeof the lower section and adapted to be fitted over the operators shoulders and under a jacket or other clothing, thereby to prevent noxious gases, fumes and insects from entering the helmet.

ROBERT BAKKE. 

